THE prop torque wrench

[scard]

Sorry, shameless repost from my build log tonight:

Oh, man, I'm feelin' the love tonight. I got to use my new super duper torque wrench.
Most of us little people kludge together some mechanism by which to torque the prop bolts. This is a very important operation, however, that mechanism is usually questionable at best and potentially a real pain. After my previous final torque operation, I ordered THE correct wrench setup from the local Snap-on dealer (thanks Shane) and waited the requisite number of months for them to mine the ore to make the wrench and prepare it for my use. It, and the beautifully forged 5/8" open end attachment arrived and sat in its case for many more months. Yeah, I hear that I'm going to need a different size wrench for my next prop.
Today's operation for the condition inspection was to pull the prop, inspect, and reinstall. Using this wrench to torque the prop bolts to 45-55 ft-lbs. was a complete pleasure. No tendency to round off the bolts! No almost, or sorta' kinda', no oops, only delivery of the precise torque to each bolt. Without question, and with just the right amount of leverage to not strain a single muscle. $700+ later, it produces the most pleasurable, painless, and certain prop bolt torque experience possible on this planet .
Different things make different people happy. This is my bliss. The right tool for the job. If you have a prop in the local area that needs to be torqued, "I torque for beer".
(dual income, no kids)

[AltonD]

do you mind telling me what that set you back?

[rocketbob]

I know an A&P who's been one for over 50 years that's never owned a torque wrench...

[Bob Brown]

Originally Posted by rocketbob

I know an A&P who's been one for over 50 years that's never owned a torque wrench...

Like pilots, there's A&P's and there's A&P's...When I flew certified planes, I used to go to ones that used manuals and torque wrenches...but I think they charge more too...

That is a beautiful wrench, no doubt. I use a Craftsman which I sent off (for $25.00) calibration/certification ...along with a crow foot wrench attachment. This offsets a little which allows it to get on the bolts on my M-T, which a standard open end wrench won't fit over and still have room to turn.

[osxuser]

I have a nice torque wrench, but nothing that fancy, I'd like to get one for the 3/4" and 5/8" Lycoming props...

[rfinch]

Originally Posted by Bob Brown

I use a Craftsman which I sent off (for $25.00) calibration/certification

Say, where did you have this done? I'd like to do the same.

...along with a crow foot wrench attachment.

Does the use of the crow foot throw off the torque setting, or do you keep using the same setting as with a socket?

TIA!--

[Guy Prevost]

Originally Posted by rfinch

Say, where did you have this done? I'd like to do the same.
Does the use of the crow foot throw off the torque setting, or do you keep using the same setting as with a socket?

TIA!--

If the crow's foot is perpindicular to the handle, it's the same setting. Torque is force times normal (perpindicular) distance so if the extension, crow's foot, etc is 90* to the handle you can use the same setting.

[jhausch]

That's one nice tool you got there - um, I mean -wait, that did not come out right.

Nice Wrench!

[jetjok]

Climbing the stairs to the Snap-On truck is a dangerous undertaking. It is guaranteed to give you great delight, but it will leave your checkbook weeping! Also, remember that when buying tools one must square the cost of the tools to assure matrimonial harmony. i.e.: $700 wrench + $700 couch = $1400 actual cost for the wrench!!
I have always used the crows foot at 90 degrees to the wrench to torque the Hartzell props. Works great.

I too am a D.I.N.K., but the wife just fininshed Med School so my EFIS panel is on hold for a few years!

[wv4i]

Avery has a crow's foot adapter for $49, part #3528, that has 1/2" drive and fits 3/4" nuts on Hartzell props on O-360 engines. Someone have a cheaper source for same size crow's foot? Thanks...